Block Party NYCBlock Party NYC is a new program by the New York City Streets Renaissance which is helping neighborhoods around NYC come together and enjoy their street for a day, free from the usual hazards and distractions of automobiles. This summer alone, we're providing mini-grants to over 30 block parties throughout the 5 boroughs. Each of these parties also gets the services of a professional urban planner for a day, who will help find community solutions to community problems like traffic, speeding, and noise and air pollution. They will also talk to residents about what they like and dislike about their street, what they want to preserve, and what needs to change.in nycwith best-of-2008brooklyngrantsneighborhoodpartyby 2 users

Complementary Currencyfascinating article about creating more intentional, local economies. in brazil, the government created the Saber, a money given to 7 year olds that could only be spent on college. one result: this induced teenagers to become tutors of younger children to earn money for college. 1 billion invested returned an estimated 10 billion in educational benefit.in articleswith bankingbest-of-2008currencyeconomicseconomymoney